Middle East

War Criminal Netanyahu’s Reckless Provocations – Omer Bartov part 2/2

In part two, historian and genocide scholar Omer Bartov discusses Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decisions to prolong the plight of the Israeli hostages and the slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza in order to remain in power. Bartov also derides the U.S. billionaires who pressured university presidents to break up pro-Palestine student encampments.

Middle East

Israel’s Abu Ghraib – Omer Bartov part 1/2

In a much-anticipated ruling, the ICJ has unequivocally denounced the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip as illegal. Israeli-American historian and genocide scholar Omer Bartov contextualizes Israeli society's widespread justification of the occupation and how Israeli politicians and mainstream media pundits are cheering on the torture of Palestinian detainees. He discusses the recent release of footage documenting the rape of Palestinians at the Sde Teiman detention center and the storming of several detention sites by Israeli far-right mobs in defense of Israel's "right to torture."

Middle East

Netanyahu Hell-Bent on a Wider War – Trita Parsi

The assassination of Hamas' top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, on Iranian soil was an embarrassment to the Iranian regime and its new president, Masoud Pezeshkian. Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, lays out how Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to corner Kamala Harris - should she win the presidency - into steering U.S. policy in the direction of an all-out war in the Middle East. Yet neither is her bearhug of Netanyahu, nor a war, inevitable.

Middle East, USA, Western Europe

Bellicose British Foreign Policy in Ukraine and Gaza – Tom Stevenson part 2/2

In part 2, journalist Tom Stevenson discusses the nuclear threat posited by the ongoing war in Ukraine, with Russia recently staging tactical nuclear exercises close to the Ukrainian border, allegedly in response to provocative statements made by U.K.’s Foreign Secretary David Cameron endorsing Ukraine’s potential use of British-supplied weapons to strike Russian territory. He also breaks down Israel’s destructive aims in Gaza and why certain bloody conflicts, such as the war in Tigray, have been forgotten.

Middle East, USA, Western Europe

Someone Else’s Empire: British Illusions and American Hegemony – Tom Stevenson part 1/2

The post-World War II era was characterized by decolonization in Asia and Africa, with resistance movements leading to the unraveling of the British empire in colonies such as former British Kenya, where the Mau Mau launched a lengthy uprising between 1952-1960, as well as in former British India, with the dissolution of the British Raj and creation of an independent India and Pakistan in 1947. Journalist Tom Stevenson provides historical examples illustrating how the rise of American hegemony following the decline of Britain’s imperial power was bolstered by British foreign policy at every juncture.

Middle East, Palestine/Israel, U.S. Politics

From Rafah to an Abyss – Israel to Continue Attack on 1.4 Million Palestinians – Joshua Landis (part 2/2)

In part 2, Joshua Landis discusses Hamas' recent ceasefire proposal and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's planned ground incursion into Rafah. Netanyahu has rejected international calls to abandon a military onslaught on the densely populated area around the Rafah Crossing, where 1.4 million Palestinians from all over the Gaza Strip are seeking shelter in a 64-square-kilometer area. Landis contends that Bibi's explicit repudiation of a two-state solution, as well as lack of plans to guarantee the safety of civilians before launching an invasion of Rafah, does little to assuage concerns about the continued ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.

Geopolitics, Middle East, Palestine/Israel

Should the U.S. Withdraw Its Troops from Iraq and Syria? – Joshua Landis (part 1/2)

Joshua Landis is a historian and Sandra Mackey Chair and Director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma, as well as a Non-Resident Fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. Landis presents the case for an immediate U.S. troop withdrawal in the Middle East, arguing that many civil society groups as well as militant groups in Iraq are strongly opposed to the U.S.' military presence there. This is Part 1 of 2.

Middle East, Military-Industrial Complex, U.S. Politics

Venture Capital Fuels U.S. Military Support for Israel, Egypt, and Saudis – Shana Marshall

Dr. Shana Marshall is the Associate Director of the Institute for Middle East Studies at George Washington University in D.C. She highlights a crucial element of financing the military and defense technology sector by venture capitalist and private equity firms with dubious financial and political interests. She explains how the business models of these firms shape the sort of weaponry produced in the U.S., such as an increase in drones and AI-powered systems and the "attritable" form of warfare that is waged as a result. Furthermore, she argues that U.S. policy in the Middle East and American support for authoritarian regimes has had dire consequences for the people in the region.

Finance, Middle East

Corruption in Lebanon Propped up by the Transnational Capitalist Elite – Nadim Houry

Widespread corruption in Lebanon is fostered by the country's ruling class, whose business interests are enmeshed with those of international finance. Nadim Houry, executive director of the Arab Reform Initiative, explains how Lebanon's culture of political impunity is tied to the reconstruction agreements put in place in 1990, at the end of the 15-year civil war. The ongoing political deadlock shields the authorities from scrutiny and allows for vulture capitalists such as the former governor of Lebanon's Central Bank, Riad Salameh, to embezzle the country's resources. At the same time, ordinary people are faced with crushing inflation.

Middle East

U.S.-Iran: An Unwritten Agreement on the Horizon? – Trita Parsi

Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, discusses reported negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to agree to an unwritten deal. The JCPOA, or Iran nuclear deal, which was a legacy of the Obama administration, seems to be a thing of the past; yet de-escalation and an agreement on a smaller range of issues would be advantageous to both the U.S. and Iranian administrations. As in the case of Saudi-Iranian rapprochement, the role of China, Oman, and Iraq in facilitating these discussions is politically noteworthy. While the U.S. and Iran are nowhere near signing a comprehensive written deal which could be legally enforced and regulated internationally, a more limited unwritten deal would unfreeze at least 7 billion US dollars’ worth of Iranian assets, which would go towards purchasing food and medicine for Iranians.

Geopolitics, Middle East

Libyans Caught Between Warring Elites and Foreign Powers

Anas El Gomati is the founder and director of the Libyan think tank, the Sadeq Institute. He discusses how so much of Libya’s history has been shaped by European colonial powers and other foreign states meddling in its affairs. On the flip side, E.U. developments and the rise of right-wing populism and racist anti-migrant sentiment cannot be disentangled from what transpires in Libya. In light of the ongoing fighting between rival government structures, how can the control of oil resources and state assets shift from elite strongmen to civilian bodies?

Middle East, U.S. Politics

Yemen: Biden’s Hypocrisy and Possible Peace?

Shireen Al-Adeimi, Professor of Language and Literacy at Michigan State University, lays out the U.S., U.K., and Canada’s role in perpetuating the brutal Saudi-led blockade of Yemen. She exposes Biden’s continued military support of Saudi Arabia, despite the administration’s pledge to only send defensive support, and calls into question the misleading dichotomy of “offensive” vs. “defensive” military support. Is a peace deal more likely now that the Houthi and Saudi representatives have met in Sana'a?

Geopolitics, Middle East

U.S. Interference in the Middle East – 20 Years Since the U.S. Invasion of Iraq – Col. Larry Wilkerson

Col. Larry Wilkerson speaks about how the media's portrayal of the U.S. invasion of Iraq barely encapsulates the damage wrought by the U.S.-led "coalition of the willing.” He also addresses recent developments in the Middle East, including Israel's increasingly belligerent policy on Iran, how the Saudi-Iran deal might end the Saudi blockade of Yemen, and the military significance of Israel being moved from U.S. European Command to U.S. Central Command.

Middle East, USA

Biden Bows to the Saudis – Trita Parsi & Annelle Sheline

President Biden appears to have abandoned his pledge to withdraw all support for the Saudi war in Yemen. Annelle Sheline and Trita Parsi join Paul Jay on theAnalysis.news.

China, Middle East, Military-Industrial Complex, U.S. Politics

Pt 2/2 – Paul Jay & Abby Martin on Afghanistan, 9/11 & Climate Change

In an episode of the Empire Files Podcast, Abby interviews Paul about his investigation into the 9/11 attacks, his experiences in Afghanistan, and his interviews with climate scientists.

Middle East, U.S. Politics

Pt 1/2 – Paul Jay & Abby Martin on Afghanistan and 9/11

In an episode of the Empire Files podcast, Abby interviews Paul about his investigation into the 9/11 attacks, his experiences in Afghanistan, and his interviews with climate scientists.

Middle East, Military-Industrial Complex, USA

Afghanistan War Pays Off BIG For Generals Who Lied

Where are all the top U.S. commanders of the Afghanistan War who lied to keep it going for 20 years? Turns out they're doing pretty well! A report by Abby Martin for Empire Files.

Geopolitics, Middle East

After Forty Years of U.S. Destruction of Afghanistan, it’s Time for Reparations

The U.S. armed jihadists and invited Bin Laden as part of the Cold War; abandoned the country to criminal warlords and civil war; created conditions for rise of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda; since 9/11 waged brutal war and broke every promise to rebuild the economy - Wilkerson and Jay on theAnalysis.news.

Geopolitics, Middle East

Afghans Will Bear the Brunt of Failed U.S. Occupation – Vijay Prashad

Vijay Prashad writes: The defeat of the United States – after spending $2.261 trillion and causing at least 241,000 deaths – is cold comfort for the people of Afghanistan, who will now have to contend with the harsh reality of Taliban rule.

History, Middle East, U.S. Politics

CIA Stories: Death Squads in Afghanistan

As the US Empire makes its major military retreat from Afghanistan, learn about the CIA forces that will be staying behind—and their disturbing 20-year track record of war crimes.

Middle East, Palestine/Israel

Is BDS Effective Strategy? – Shir Hever Pt 3/3

Shir Hever discusses the campaign to Boycott, Divest and Sanction Israel for its apartheid policies, on theAnalysis.news with Paul Jay

China, Geopolitics, Middle East

Does the U.S. Owe Reparations to Afghanistan, Should U.S. Troops Leave? – Bennis & Wilkerson

Bennis and Wilkerson agree on reparations but disagree on whether the U.S. should withdraw all troops. Phyllis Bennis and Larry Wilkerson join Paul Jay on theAnalysis.news

Middle East

Biden’s Syria Deception: The Norwegian Connection

Contrary to the Biden administration's claim, it seems that the recent missile strike in Syria was not carried out in consultation with at least one of the US's main allies in the region: Norway. But why is Norway involved in the Middle East anyway? Greg Wilpert talks about the issue with Eirik Vold, a parliamentary advisor to Norway's Red Party.

Geopolitics, Middle East

US Bombing in Syria Illegal; Biden Should Rejoin Iran Agreement Now – Bennis/Wilkerson

The bombing of Syria was a violation of U.S. and International law. It was the U.S. that violated the nuclear deal with Iran and Biden should rejoin the agreement without new conditions. Phyliss Bennis and Larry Wilkerson join Paul Jay on theAnalysis.news

Geopolitics, Middle East

Is Protecting the Murderous Crown Prince in the National Interest? – Phyllis Bennis and Larry Wilkerson

In whose "national interest" is an alliance a with a criminal state that sponsors terrorism, viciously suppresses domestic dissent, acts against democratic movements, and promotes war in the region? Phyllis Bennis and Larry Wilkerson join Paul Jay on theAnalysis.news with Paul Jay.

Geopolitics, Middle East

Biden’s Doublespeak About Ending Yemen War -Abby Martin

Abby Martin explains what President Biden really means by the duplicitous language in his major Feb. 4 foreign policy speech on ending the Yemen war.

Middle East

The Oil Interests Behind the War in Yemen

Shireen Al-Adeimi, Yemen anti-war activist and professor at Michigan State University, discusses the many interests behind the war on Yemen, which have the potential of derailing Biden's announced ending of US support for the Saudi-led coalition in this war that has devastated one of the Middle East's poorest countries.

Middle East

The Disintegration of Israeli Politics

As Israel gears up for its fourth general election in two years, it has become increasingly clear that Israeli politics is in the process of disintegration. It's largely due to an ever more fragmented party system based on identity politics, says Shir Hever, author of the book, The Privatization of Israeli Security.

Geopolitics, Middle East

Ending the War on Yemen?

The Biden administration announced an end to US support for Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen. This is in larger part thanks to the constant activism and mobilization of peace groups around the US. Guest host Greg Wilpert talked to Hassan el Tayyab, the Legislative Manager for Middle East Policy of the Friends Committee on National Legislation, shortly before the announcement was made. He outlines the background of the war, the history of US support, what an end to US support would mean, and what further steps need to be taken to put an end to the devastation in Yemen.

Geopolitics, Middle East

Biden’s Scary Foreign Policy Picks: A Blast From War Crimes Past – Abby Martin

A breakdown of Biden's new defense cabinet and what it means for war & peace. Who is Antony Blinken, Jake Sullivan, Avril Haines, Lloyd Austin, and Linda Thomas-Greenfield? Abby Martin presents an Empire Files update.

Geopolitics, Middle East

Empire Update: Afghanistan/Somalia Withdrawal Scam; Trump Weighs WWIII – Abby Martin

The Empire Update for Nov. 23 covering the Grand Finale of Trump's promise to end the Afghanistan War; what's really behind the Somalia troop withdrawal; US-backed monarchy sparks new potential war in Africa; State Department takes new action for Israel against BDS movement; and potential for Trump to start a war with Iran on his way out.

Middle East

Trump & Neocons Want to Destroy Iranian Society – Trita Parsi

Trump and the neocons who run his foreign policy, want to use the pandemic to further their plan of ruining and weakening Iran; they hope to make Iran as dysfunctional, violent and chaotic as post war Iraq - Trita Parsi joins Paul Jay on theAnalysis.news podcast

Middle East, Reality Asserts Itself

Trump Heads to Saudi Arabia – Target Iran and Iraq? – RAI with Sabah Alnasseri (pt 1/6)

This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced on May 16, 2017. On Reality Asserts Itself, Sabah Alnasseri and Paul Jay discuss the Trump/Saudi plan for an anti-Iran Arab alliance and to use ISIS as justification for increasing American troop levels – with Iraq’s oil as the prize.

Middle East, Palestine/Israel, Reality Asserts Itself

The Pain Doesn’t Go Away – Rachel Corrie’s Parents on Reality Asserts Itself pt 3/3

This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced March 27, 2015. On Reality Asserts Itself, Craig and Cindy Corrie tell Paul Jay that in ruling against their claim, the Israeli Supreme Court essentially said that Israel is beyond international law.

Middle East, Palestine/Israel, Reality Asserts Itself

The Pain Doesn’t Go Away – Rachel Corrie’s Parents on Reality Asserts Itself pt 2/3

This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced March 27, 2015. On Reality Asserts Itself, Craig and Cindy Corrie tell Paul Jay, “people find hope in the work that we’re doing and in the fact that Rachel was there that day, and stood against what was happening to all of those families in the Gaza Strip”.

Middle East, Reality Asserts Itself

Culture of the National Security State – Deepa Kumar on Reality Asserts Itself (pt 5/5)

This interview was originally published on October 19, 2014. Dr. Kumar tells Paul Jay that a culture of fear and obedience has developed so we give consent to Cold War policies, to hot wars, to the complete militarization of society.

Middle East, Reality Asserts Itself

The Islamophobia of Homeland – Deepa Kumar on Reality Asserts Itself (pt 4/5)

This interview was originally published on October 16, 2014. Dr. Kumar tells Paul Jay that Muslim characters on Homeland are either terrorists, sympathizers of terrorists, or “good Muslims” which means pro-US.

Middle East, Reality Asserts Itself

Islamophobia and the Politics of Empire – Deepa Kumar on Reality Asserts Itself (pt 3/5)

This interview was originally published on October 15, 2014. Dr. Kumar says the roots of Islamophobia are to be found in a conflict between empires and economic interests, not a clash of civilizations.

Middle East, Reality Asserts Itself

Fighting the Demonization of Muslims – Deepa Kumar on Reality Asserts Itself (pt 2/5)

This interview was originally published on October 14, 2014. Dr. Kumar says after 9/11, with the ratcheting up of anti-Muslim racism, she decided she had to do something about it.

Middle East, Palestine/Israel, Reality Asserts Itself

Gaza Under Siege – Eva Bartlett on Reality Asserts Itself Pt 2/2

Eva Bartlett talks about her experiences living in Gaza. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced October 5, 2014, with Paul Jay.

Middle East, Palestine/Israel, Reality Asserts Itself

Gaza Under Siege – Eva Bartlett on Reality Asserts Itself Pt 1/2

Eva Bartlett talks about her experiences living in Gaza. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced October 5, 2014, with Paul Jay.

Middle East, Reality Asserts Itself

Islamophobia and a Challenge to Bill Maher – Deepa Kumar on Reality Asserts Itself (pt 1/5)

This interview was originally published on October 10, 2014. Dr. Kumar tells Paul Jay that what Bill Maher said is a perfect example of liberal Islamophobia.

Middle East, Reality Asserts Itself, USA

Are the Saudis Fueling a Sunni-Shia War? – Toby Jones on Reality Asserts Itself (2/2)

Toby Jones, a Prof. at Rutgers University specializing in Middle East history, tells Paul Jay the Saudis are committed to victory in their rivalry with Iran and use money and sectarian ideology to achieve their geo-political interests. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced January 15, 2015.

Middle East, Reality Asserts Itself, USA

Al Qaeda and the Saudi Agenda – Toby Jones on Reality Asserts Itself (1/2)

Toby Jones tells Paul Jay that the Saudis' use of terrorism is driven by a fear of democracy and a desire to be the regional and oil hegemon. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced January 15, 2014.

Middle East, Palestine/Israel, Reality Asserts Itself

One State or Two, Solution Must be Based on Palestinian Rights Phyllis Bennis on RAI Pt 4/4

On Reality Asserts Itself with Paul Jay, Phyllis Bennis examines proposals to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced December 13, 2013, with Paul Jay.

Middle East, Palestine/Israel, Reality Asserts Itself

Fmr. Israeli Intel. Chief Says Palestinian Israeli Conflict Greater Risk than Nuclear Iran Pt 2/4

On Reality Asserts Itself with Paul Jay, Phyllis Bennis examines the Israeli debate about Iran and Palestine, and the complex changes taking place in Middle East politics. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced December 11, 2013, with Paul Jay.

Middle East, Palestine/Israel, Reality Asserts Itself

Vietnam War Created Middle East Activist – Phyllis Bennis on Reality Asserts Itself Pt 1/4

On RAI with Paul Jay, Phyllis Bennis traces her development from active Zionist youth to whom Jewish identity meant support for Israel, to a leading American anti-Zionist writer and analyst. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced December 10, 2013, with Paul Jay.

Middle East, Palestine/Israel, Reality Asserts Itself

Syria’s Six Wars and Humanitarian Catastrophe – Phyllis Bennis on Reality Asserts Itself Pt 3/4

On RAI with Paul Jay, Phyllis Bennis examines the coming Geneva conference on Syria and the unwillingness of the West to deal with the humanitarian crisis. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced December 10, 2013, with Paul Jay.

Middle East, Palestine/Israel, Reality Asserts Itself

The Survival of the Palestinian People is Itself a Form of Resistance – Rania Masri pt 3/3

This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced September 25, 2013. In this last segment of Reality Asserts Itself with Rania Masri, Paul Jay asks why she considers Israel the “enemy” state; the one-state solution; and the possibility of a new political leadership amongst the Palestinians.

Middle East, Reality Asserts Itself

Opposing Intervention in Syria Without Apologizing for a Dictatorship – Rania Masri pt 2/3

This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced September 25, 2013. In part two of Reality Asserts Itself, Paul Jay and Rania Masri discuss the charge that opposing foreign intervention is support for Assad; the idea that Assad is “anti-imperialist”; and the role of violence in fighting dictatorship.

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